Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $210,000 In Federal Funds For Ellwood Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 In Erie County

Federal Funding For Ellwood Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 Will Be Used to Purchase New Safety Equipment

Buffalo, NY – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $217,429 in federal funding for the Ellwood Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 in Erie County. The funding was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). The federal funding will allow the Ellwood Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units.

"It is essential that we provide our firefighters with the tools they need to do their jobs effectively," said Senator Schumer. "Our first responders are our local heroes and our primary line of defense for safety and security--it is critical that we do all we can to ensure that they are well equipped and prepared to take on any emergency."

"These federal funds will allow our first responders to purchase the up-to-date equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively," said Senator Gillibrand. "We need to do everything we can to protect our first responders when they risk their lives, and I will always fight in the Senate to make sure they are given the support they deserve."

"This grant will help us keep tax dollars down," said Kelly Blount, Commissioner of the Ellwood Fire District No 1. "Our SCBA Air Packs are over 19 years old, so this grant is going to keep our Firefighters safe. I'd like to thank Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for their help in securing this federal funding."

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the Department's United States Fire Administration. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program's priorities and demonstrate financial need. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.